Warning after deaths of two men found in river
People are being warned about the dangers of swimming in lakes and rivers after a “tragic accident” at a Bath weir.
Two men were recovered by the emergency services from the River Avon near Toll Bridge Road, Batheaston, and were later pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday afternoon (May 28).
Avon and Somerset police said the victims were part of a group of people who had travelled from the Swindon area.
A photo has since emerged of people walking along Pulteney Weir, a couple of miles away, just two hours before the fatalities in Batheaston.
The image has prompted angry Bath residents to warn people against taking risks and entering the water at weirs in the area.
A Twitter user posted along with the photo: “Two young lads died in a weir in Bath today, and at the same time, these two muppets were walking on one of the most dangerous parts of water in Bath! “Unbelievable!” Avon Fire & Rescue Service and
❝ Two young lads died in a weir in Bath today, and at the same time, these two muppets (see pic below) were walking on one of the most dangerous parts of water in Bath! Unbelievable!
Twitter post
Bath and North East Council are reminding people of the dangers of entering waters like these.
Bath Fire Station tweeted: “Just another reminder that #coldwatershockkills. Water may look inviting in this hot weather, but there are so many hidden hazards. “Please stay out of the rivers.” Police said the deaths on Thursday were not being treated as “suspicious”.
Cllr Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services, said: “Our thoughts go to the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s (May 28) tragic accident at Bathampton Weir.
“Whilst local rivers may seem very inviting during the lockdown period and this spell of hot and sunny weather, there are real dangers in entering the water and we would urge people to stay away.”
South Western Ambulance Service revealed there were three people at the scene and one was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Previously, Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: “With the weather getting warmer we are keen to highlight water safety awareness to children, their parents and as wide a cross-section of the local community as possible.
“With various waterways, lakes, a dangerous tidal river, docks and marinas, the Avon service area has many high-risk areas.
“We would like to highlight the dangers of open water and encourage people, whatever their age, to take extra care.”
He added: “People do not understand that even the strongest swimmers can find themselves in difficulty as the cold water causes muscles to cramp.
“There is then a strong possibility that they cannot swim due to muscular cramps which can then lead to drowning.”
Police added that the deaths would be referred to the coroner.